Photos: The first televised debates

Updated 10:21 AM ET, Wed October 3, 2012

Photos: The first televised debates6 photos

The first televised debates – The 1960 campaign for the White House is often called the first "modern" presidential election. It's been more than 50 years since the first televised presidential debates in American history, but the four TV showdowns between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in the fall of 1960 still hold a prominent — and well-deserved — place in United States political lore.

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Photos: The first televised debates6 photos

The first televised debates – Jacqueline Kennedy watches from the wings as her husband debates Richard Nixon.

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Photos: The first televised debates6 photos

The first televised debates – Kennedy and Nixon debate at their lecterns.

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Photos: The first televised debates6 photos

The first televised debates – A closeup shows Kennedy's hand during the debates.

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Photos: The first televised debates6 photos

The first televised debates – The two candidates talk before the first 1960 debate.